Top 6 Misunderstood Bible Verses

Introduction: Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

One of the most dangerous misunderstandings in Christianity today is the belief that salvation is earned through works. This teaching arises when certain Bible verses are taken out of context and misapplied to argue against faith alone.

The Bible is clear that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ—not by our own efforts. Yet many sincere people cite specific passages as "proof" that works are required for salvation. In this post, we will explore the most commonly misinterpreted scriptures and explain what they actually mean in their proper biblical context.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved… who correctly handles the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

1. James 2:17 – "Faith without works is dead."

Misinterpretation: People often use this verse to say, “See, faith isn’t enough. You must have works to be saved.”

Correct Context: James is addressing people who claim to have faith but show no fruit at all. He’s not defining saving faith as “faith plus works,” but showing that genuine saving faith is not invisible to others.

“Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” – James 2:18 (NIV)

James is not contradicting Paul. He’s talking about the evidence of faith in the eyes of man—not the basis of salvation.

2. Matthew 7:21 – "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom..."

Misinterpretation: This is often cited to argue that calling Jesus "Lord" isn’t enough—you have to live a holy life to be saved.

Correct Context: Jesus is speaking to those who trusted in their own works: “Did we not prophesy… cast out demons… perform many miracles?” Their plea is based on what they did, not on faith in what Jesus did.

“Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” – Matthew 7:23 (NIV)

This is a warning against trusting in works, not a call to works-based salvation.

3. Philippians 2:12 – "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling."

Misinterpretation: Some take this to mean you must maintain or earn your salvation through effort.

Correct Context: Paul does not say “work for your salvation,” but “work out your salvation.” This means to live out what God has already done within you.

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” – Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

This verse describes sanctification—not how we are saved.

4. Hebrews 10:26 – "If we deliberately keep on sinning..."

Misinterpretation: Used to say that if a believer sins willfully, they lose salvation.

Correct Context: Hebrews contrasts the old covenant with the final sacrifice of Jesus. This passage warns about rejecting Christ after knowing the truth—not believers sinning out of weakness.

“How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot...” – Hebrews 10:29 (NIV)

This describes apostasy—not failure. It targets unbelief, not struggling Christians.

5. John 15:6 – "If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers..."

Misinterpretation: Some claim this means you must stay connected or risk losing salvation.

Correct Context: Jesus uses the vine metaphor to describe fruitfulness, not salvation status. The branches that don't remain were never truly connected (like Judas).

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” – John 15:8 (NIV)

Fruit is the evidence of discipleship—not the requirement for salvation.

6. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – "Wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God."

Misinterpretation: This verse is used to argue that anyone who sins (lies, lusts, gets drunk) loses salvation.

Correct Context: Paul is contrasting the unrighteous with those who have been justified in Christ. He is describing their former identity, not condemning believers.

“And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified...” – 1 Corinthians 6:11 (NIV)

Believers are no longer identified by their sin but by Christ.